Topic
Startup neutron source
About: Startup neutron source is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4 publications have been published within this topic receiving 4 citations.
Papers
TL;DR: In this paper, a heterogeneous subcritical nuclear reactor was designed using Monte Carlo methods, which is a 110 cm-side cube with thorium-based molten salt as fuel, the moderator is graphite and the startup neutron source is 252 Cf.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discussed the uncertainties associated with the source of tritium in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Reactor Coolant System (RCS).
Abstract: Currently there are large uncertainties associated with the source of tritium in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Reactor Coolant System (RCS). The measured amount of tritium in the coolant cannot be separated out empirically into its individual sources. Therefore, all sources of tritium in the RCS of a PWR must be understood theoretically. One potential source of tritium in the RCS is due to tritium production in secondary sources. Neutron sources provide a flux of neutrons that are used to support reactor startup. Primary startup neutron source rods made of 252Cf are inserted into the reactor during the first cycle of a new nuclear reactor. The primary neutron sources are used to produce enough neutrons through spontaneous fission to create a sufficient neutron flux to be seen by the ex-core neutron detectors and facilitate reactor startup. Antimony-Beryllium secondary startup neutron sources are also inserted in the first reactor cycle to provide a neutron source for startups in future cycles....
4 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Three Mile Island Unit 1 (TMI-1) was shut down February 17, 1979, for refueling and went critical October 3, 1985 (2420 days later), without inserting any external neutron sources as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Three Mile Island Unit 1 (TMI-1) was shut down February 17, 1979, for refueling and went critical October 3, 1985 (2420 days later), without inserting any external neutron sources. The intrinsic neutron source strength was evaluated and confirmed in 1981 through analyses and supporting subcritical tests. Results showed TMI-1 could have performed a successful startup at least through 1990 without discrete neutron sources.
1 citations
Patent•
28 Apr 2020
TL;DR: In this paper, a secondary startup neutron source is designed as a steel enclosure housing an ampule containing antimony in the central enclosure made of a niobium-based alloy unreactive with antimony, with a beryllium powder bed located between the antimony enclosure and the ampule enclosure.
Abstract: The invention relates to nuclear engineering and more particularly to controlled reactor start-up. The invention addresses a secondary startup neutron source by creating additional safety barriers between the coolant and the source active part materials. The secondary startup neutron source is designed as a steel enclosure housing an ampule containing antimony in the central enclosure made of a niobium-based alloy unreactive with antimony, with a beryllium powder bed located between the antimony enclosure and the ampule enclosure. An upper gas collector, located above the ampule serves as a compensation volume collecting gaseous fission products. The ampule is supported by a reflector and a bottom gas collector. The gas collectors, reflector, ampule enclosure and washers are made of martensite-ferrite grade steel.
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |